Spotlight On: Melody Zielke

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of Meet Me in St Louis. Get to know the strong willed Melody Zielke who will be appearing as Esther Smith.

What is your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memories when I was little was going underneath the Christmas tree and opening up all the Barbie dolls I would have received, and my parents faces were always so bright.  I just couldn’t wait to play with them with my parents.  I also love all the Christmas movies and I would watch them with my mom and dad as well.

Who is your favorite character in the show?

I have two favorite characters in the show. I really love Katie because she’s really the core of the family. She helps everybody out and even though she is the housekeeper, she really is a part of the family. She is like the cool aunt. My other favorite character is definitely Esther because I find her to be a lot like me.  I am usually always scheming and planning with my friends, hahaha.  She just has this boost of confidence and she shows everybody that except for John which I think is very heartwarming to know that there are always two sides to a person.

Where is your hometown?

I live in Berlin, CT! 

How many brothers/sisters do you have?

I actually am an only child. So Galen, who plays my brother in the show, Lon, is an only child too. So we always bond over the fact that now we have a brother or sister which is really nice. 

What is your favorite song in the show?

Besides the iconic Trolley Song my favorite number in the show is Boy Next Door because I feel like it really expresses the mentality of what a 16-year-old girl is going through with her first crush. Not exactly knowing what to do or how to feel because everything is so new. My favorite ensemble number would definitely be The First Noel. I remember singing that song in choir and thinking that it is so beautiful and peaceful, to celebrate the Lord.

With music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and book by Hugh Wheeler, Meet Me in St Louis opens December 6th and runs through December 22nd at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!